Tucson gets public input on massive Grant Rd. widening project

TUCSON, Ariz. -- Grant Road is about to undergo some major changes, but not before the City of Tucson listens to the comments and concerns of nearby businesses and residents.

Construction on this project has already begun at the Grant and Oracle intersection where workers are moving utility lines.

Monday night, representatives with the project held a public meeting to talk specifically about land use. After Grant is widened, developers may have some new options.

The Grant Road improvement project will widen Grant to six lanes, use pedestrian friendly infrastructure, and landscaping.

"It's not just how we move traffic from one end to the other," said City of Tucson Transportation Director Jim Glock.

Monday night planning and transit officials with the City of Tucson got an ear full from residents and business owners about a proposed mixed use zoning option along the segment of Grant that will be widened.

"For example there may be an opportunity to go multi-story," Glock said.

Jim Glock with City of Tucson transit says, by law, they city cannot change zoning in a way that diminishes property values.